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Sounds to me like you could use better representation.
Depending, of course, on what your experience actually is. I'd be more
concerned about language skills from a non-U.S. technical writer and
then I'd want to know if you are legally allowed to work here.
As for writing tests, you don't see those a lot. Other tests of your
skills? Well, at an interview, I'd like to see samples of your work
including electronic copy, so I can see how you go about creating
documentation.
I don't know whay a potential employer would dismiss non-U.S. technical
writing experience.
Cheers,
Sean
-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+sean -dot- brierley=ipc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+sean -dot- brierley=ipc -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com] On
Behalf Of Alaina Stern
Sent: Monday, March 05, 2007 1:15 PM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: Opinion anyone?
Hi Everyone,
I need your advice to help me get out of the grueling situation that I'm
in.
I'm a Technical Writer with five years of documentation experience. I
moved to United States last year and worked on an online-help project
for a fortune hundred company.
I have genuine liking for my profession and I absolutely love
technology. I keep myself up-to-date with the latest in our field. I
have strong recommendations from colleagues and employers. But somehow,
all this is not helping me find a job. I get interview calls from
companies based on my resume but once they hear that I have just six
months of American experience they disappear. My non-U.S experience
isn't given any consideration. No one's even ready to take a writing
test or take a technical test and see if I can actually do my job.
Today a recruiter even suggested that I take up some QA engineering
training (I'm guessing because of my Electronics Engineering degree and
programming experience). She went on to tell me that Technical Writing
is not for a non-American and that without experience, I'll go nowhere.
My eternal optimism has evaporated. I'm fed up of people calling me and
saying I don't have adequate experience. Where do I fit in ten years of
experience in my twenty seven years on earth?
Documenting technology is what I like. If I have a career, this is what
I want to do. I'm ready to give certifications and whatever it takes to
give me an edge. What do you all suggest? I am not good at networking.
Should I start attending Technical Communication seminars? Get any
specific certification? Get a Master's degree?
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